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St. Cloud State University
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Students re-design park
By Adam Masloski
Published:
Thursday, October 17, 2002
Media Credit: Jason Risberg
The current playground equipment in Wilson Park, on St. Cloud�s East Side, is not handicap accessible. SCSU students designed a new playground for the park, scheduled to be built in 2003.
SCSU students in the community studies democratic citizenship class have been working on building the first handicap accessible playground in St. Cloud.
The playground will be located at Wilson Park and construction has been tentatively scheduled to begin in spring of 2003.
"This playground is for the community so all kids can enjoy it and play together," said Pamela Mittlefehldt, professor of community studies and chair of the department.
The Americans with Disabilities Act, which became effective in 1992, says that an accessible playground is one that offers a range of play experiences to children of varying abilities. This does not mean that each and every feature or event must be usable by every child.
The playground at Wilson Park, however, will be 90 to 95 percent accessible to those in wheelchairs. This number is much higher than the ADA's recommended requirement of 50 percent.
Upon completion there will be ramps throughout the playground and every piece of equipment will be accessible. There will be a recycled rubberized surface instead of sand or wood chips and a swing that is available to those in wheel chairs.
The community studies department wants to get SCSU involved in the community and teach students what they can do, too.
"The goal for our students is to give them a chance to learn the skills of being able to do something if they put their minds to it," said Rona
Karasik, professor of community studies.
SCSU students are not the only ones working hard on this project. They are working in conjunction with the East Side Boosters, the City of St. Cloud and various other community organizations.
One piece of the project that has yet to be addressed is asking disabled children what they would like to see in the park. The students would also like to get the input of elementary students in the area.
Another area of concern has been the cost of the project. It is estimated that, including in-kind donations and volunteer labor, the project will cost between 250,000 and 300,000 dollars. The community will be looked to for funding.
"It is a community funded project," Mittlefehldt said. "We want to create a playground that the community will build. We are hoping to generate a lot of community support."
Money has been contributed by the St. Cloud Rotary Club, the Lions Club, students writing grants and other fundraising efforts. It is also stressed that local businesses can show that they care by helping out.
The four semester project began in the fall of 2001. Students are planning on handing out brochures and soliciting organizations as well as members of the community for the many donations that are still needed to make the project a success.
Karasik is excited about what this playground could become after it is completed.
"Hopefully it will be a meeting place where people aren't put down by the physical restrictions society has placed on them. We want it to be a place where kids can be with each other without the physical barriers."
If you would like to contribute, either through a donation or by volunteering, contact Rona Karasik at 654-5224.
